Tanzania Safari in April
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Tanzania in April
If you want to experience African heritage and culture at its peak, visit Tanzania in April. Although Tanzania has seen its ups and downs in recent history, its glorious past makes sure it features in every traveler’s bucket list. From the first human to the 18th-century spice markets of Zanzibar, Tanzania holds the key to so many stories. Although it is advised to visit Tanzania from October to December, however taking a trip there has its own perks. Lesser crowded and better on the pocket, end March to May is the perfect window to visit Tanzania on a budget.
Tanzania in April offers a captivating blend of nature, wildlife, and history to adventurous travelers looking for something different. As the rainy season takes hold, Tanzania transforms into a lush paradise, with its landscapes bursting with life and color.
Rivers, dams, creeks, swamps, are full. roads can be very wet and bridges often get washed away…4x 4’s very easily get bogged and then just as easily get pulled out. Many tells stories of overnight stays in a 4x 4 because the destination is impossible to reach. The grass is green and there is food everywhere…..one of the best things for me in April are the small terrapins living in the puddles on the less frequented roads and tracks.
It can sometimes rain all day but rarely….usually it rains in the morning but these days with “decent” roads rainfall usually doesn’t interfere with safaris. You need an experienced guide who knows where he/she is going. Not somebody who will take the back road from Endolun to Ndutu to find that cheetah. Because of the rainfall, water and feed is everywhere the wildlife can really spread all over a very large area and often the traditional safari spots of August will usually only have the resident game……so don’t be traditional as well in your choices.
Camping can be fun with leaky tents and fires going out and mud in a lot of places where you might be walking.
Activities to Do in Tanzania in April:
- Wildlife Safaris:
- Serengeti National Park: Witness the wildebeest calving season and enjoy incredible wildlife viewing.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Explore the unique ecosystem of this volcanic caldera, home to a diverse range of wildlife.
- Tarangire National Park: Observe elephants and baobab trees in this unique landscape.
- Birdwatching: Many consider bird-watching to be the best during April and May. The rainy season creates a thriving environment for birdlife as food sources become abundant and breeding activities commence. From striking raptors to colorful bee-eaters, you’ll encounter a diverse array of avian species amidst the rain-fueled lush Tanzanian landscapes. The diverse habitats in Tanzania, including national parks such as Tarangire National Park and the coastal beaches in Zanzibar, are the places you need to go birdwatching in April
- Cultural Experiences: Visit Maasai villages and learn about their traditions and way of life.
- Relaxation: Enjoy the tranquility of the beaches of Zanzibar or the shores of Lake Manyara.
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Serengeti from above.
Tips for Traveling in April:
- Pack for Rain: Bring a waterproof jacket, rain pants, and sturdy walking shoes.
- Be Flexible: Be prepared for occasional afternoon showers and adjust your itinerary accordingly.
- Embrace the Green Season: Enjoy the lush landscapes and the unique experience of a quieter safari.
Why April is a Good Time to Travel to Tanzania:
- Budget-friendly travel: The low travel season brings excellent discounts on hotels and lodges. With accommodations such as the Ngorongoro Lodge available at nearly half the usual price, visitors can make the most of their budget while immersing themselves in the wonders of Tanzania
- Fewer Crowds: April falls within the “green season” (rainy season), meaning fewer tourists, lower prices on accommodation and flights, and a more intimate safari experience. For those seeking a serene and unspoiled encounter with nature, the low season from April to early June presents an ideal opportunity. This period offers a less crowded environment in otherwise jam-packed destinations like the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, allowing you to fully appreciate their natural splendor without the distractions of large crowds.
- Stunning Landscapes: The rains bring lush greenery to the savanna, creating breathtaking scenery with vibrant wildflowers.
- Wildlife Viewing Opportunities:
- Calving Season: Even without spotting the big five, you can still have a thrilling Tanzanian safari experience in April. For an epic Wildlife sighting, look out for the Great Wildebeest Migration in April. February and March are when the wildebeests gather in the southern Serengeti plains of Tanzania to give birth to their young, and as the rainy season arrives in April, the herds begin their epic migratory journey toward the central Serengeti in search of greener fodder to feed upon. Smaller herds of zebras and antelopes also travel with them.
- Birdwatching: The rains attract a variety of migratory birds, making it a fantastic time for birdwatchers.
- Predator Activity: With lush vegetation providing cover, predators like lions and leopards are more active in hunting.
- Pleasant Weather: While April is the rainy season in Tanzania, it experiences a warm climate of average daytime temperatures hovering around 30°C (86°F) and average nighttime temperatures typically sitting at 24°C (76°F). In the lowlands and coastal areas, the average temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while in the highlands, temperatures tend to be slightly cooler, ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
By traveling to Tanzania in April, you can experience the beauty of the country at a more relaxed pace, enjoy incredible wildlife encounters, and support local communities during the off-season
